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Skin Cancer Surgery Sunshine Coast

What is Skin Cancer?

In order to know if you will need skin cancer surgery, you will first need to know what skin cancer is and how to identify it. Skin cancer is essentially an abnormal growth of cells in the skin. If left untreated, the condition can become dangerous, which is why it’s important to seek medical help if you notice any unusual skin lesions.

The most common type of skin cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), which is considered the least dangerous type. There is also Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), which grows and spreads more easily, and melanoma, which is highly dangerous and can appear on any part of the body. As a result, melanoma should be diagnosed quickly.

You can check your own skin for signs and symptoms of skin cancer. However, the only definite method of diagnosing skin cancer is by speaking to a doctor during a skin cancer check.

Causes and Symptoms

Skin cancer can be caused by a number of factors and is usually linked to time spent in the sun. When we spend time in the sunlight, our skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can trigger damage to the skin cells. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which means many Australians will develop the condition at some point in their lives. Factors that can contribute to a person getting skin cancer include:

  • Genetics
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Frequent sunburns
  • Sunbeds
  • Having fair skin

Although genetics play a role in whether a person needs skin cancer surgery, you should strive to practice safe sun habits to help reduce the risk. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of skin cancer and get regular skin checks. This will help ensure the cancer is caught early and doesn’t cause further problems. The symptoms can appear differently in different people, but generally, you should look out for spots that have:

  • Asymmetry
  • Jagged or uneven borders
  • Unevenness in colour
  • Diameter larger than six millimetres
  • A changing nature over time

Consultation

Consulting with a doctor is the best way to get a diagnosis. Then, once you have a diagnosis, and your doctor decides that surgery is a good option, you may begin speaking with a surgeon about skin cancer surgery.

During your skin cancer surgery appointment, Dr Fraser-Kirk will assess your affected skin and discuss possible treatment options with you. You will be able to discuss what each option will involve, including the recovery and the risks. Ensure that you raise any concerns and present any questions you may have in order to ensure you can be prepared. Dr Fraser-Kirk will aim to answer all your questions and ensure you are clear on what to expect.

Skin Cancer Removal Surgery

There are several options for skin cancer removal surgery. The option for you may depend on the nature of your lesion. These can include:

Surgical excision

The surgeon may decide to perform a wide local excision. This type of skin cancer surgery involves removing the area of cancerous skin, along with a border around it. Removing a border of healthy skin helps ensure that we have removed all of the cancer tissue.

Skin grafting

In cases where a large amount of skin needs removal, the patient may require a skin graft. This involves taking skin from another area of the body and grafting it to the area where skin had to be removed.

Flap repair surgery

Some patients might require a flap repair surgery. This is where Dr Fraser-Kirk removes a cancerous lesion and stretches a flap of existing skin to cover the area of missing skin.

Freezing

Dr Fraser-Kirk may use a freezing technique for some patients where required.

It’s important to know that while a visible spot can help identify a problem, cancerous cells are not always visible to the eye. Your surgeon will strive to remove the entirety of the lesion, but if some cancerous cells remain after surgery, you may require further surgery.

Cost

The cost of your skin cancer surgery or skin cancer surgery may depend on a few factors. We will need to think about the type of surgery you are getting and what this will involve. This means we will consider the duration of surgery, equipment, and aftercare. We will also take into account both the cost of anaesthesia and the surgeon’s fee.

For more details about the cost of skin cancer surgery, book a consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk.

Skin Cancer Surgery Recovery

Recovery is an important part of any procedure, including skin cancer surgery. You will need to perform appropriate wound care, ensuring to keep your surgical site clean and dry. You should also avoid habits that could impede your healing, such as smoking, alcohol, and blood thinning medicines. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you might also need to take time off work and organise for someone to support you through the initial recovery.

A more extensive skin cancer surgery may require a longer recovery time. Therefore, when in doubt, always follow the instructions of your surgeon. If you notice any signs of infection or other issues, be sure to contact us and seek medical advice.

Risks and Complications

Skin cancer surgery also comes with certain risks and possible complications. Choosing a good surgeon and following the aftercare instructions can help set you up for a positive outcome. However, you can never completely get rid of the risks.

The risks can depend on the severity of your skin cancer surgery and can include:

  • Infection
  • Anaesthesia reactions
  • Delayed healing
  • Bleeding
  • Poor scarring
  • Seroma
  • Further surgery

Our team on the Sunshine Coast are here to help if you experience any adverse effects.

FAQs

Is skin cancer removal considered surgery?

The removal of skin cancer often requires surgery. However, some techniques are less invasive than others. If you’re unsure which treatment option would suit your condition, we can recommend a suitable plan for you.

What are the results?

Although it’s worth seeking an experienced surgeon such as Dr Fraser-Kirk, we cannot guarantee results. Bear in mind that whilst surgeons aim to achieve good aesthetic results, the priority is to remove the cancerous tissue for the sake of your health and well-being. Some patients may require more than one procedure to achieve this.

What are the types of skin lesions?

Not all skin lesions are cancerous, and some may be benign (non-cancerous). Malignant skin cells can come in a few different forms. A skin cancer check can help you identify if any of your spots, freckles, or moles are dangerous and how best to treat them. Treatment might involve surgery.

How can I avoid needing skin cancer surgery?

Although some people are more prone to skin cancer than others, there are some ways to reduce your risk. Try to be conscious of how much time you spend in the sun, and limit your sun exposure. Additionally, you should regularly use a high-SPF sunscreen. It is also a good idea to have regular skin checks so that any issue can be identified